Abstract: A closure system for an object having a first portion with first eyelets and a second portion with second eyelets includes a first lace that is resiliently flexible. The first lace is operable to extend continuously through the plurality of first eyelets and continuously through the plurality of second eyelets to define a first bridge portion and a second bridge portion of the first lace. The first bridge portion is defined between the plurality of first eyelets, and the second bridge portion is defined between the plurality of second eyelets. Additionally, the closure system includes a second lace that is substantially inelastic. The second lace engages both the first bridge portion and the second bridge portion to secure the first and second portions of the object together.

Abstract: An article of footwear for use in sporting activities such as snowboarding is disclosed. The article of footwear can include a flex notch and a coupled lace loop design. The article can further include an internal harness to enhance stability of the foot. The article can also include a threading layer configured to strengthen the upper and a corresponding connecting layer to bond the threading layer to the upper and to provide protection to other areas of the upper.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for treating a foot using a medical shoe and interchangeable insoles. A plurality of interchangeable insoles is provided, including a surgical insole and a wound care insole. The surgical insole provides rigidity for a patient's foot. The surgical insole comprises a first upper layer and a rigid second lower layer. The wound care insole offloads weight from a wound region on the foot. The wound care insole comprises a first upper layer of stretchy, thin film, a second, middle, layer that is moldable, and a third, lower layer that is spongy and provides support.

Abstract: Flat knitting allows production of textile structures (e.g., for use in footwear uppers) of a final desired shape such that textile cutting steps can be avoided. Flat knitted elements also can be formed directly in desired three dimensional shapes, which can help avoid the need to use additional support structures (e.g., in footwear construction). By selectively placing multiple different yarns and/or stitch patterns at multiple different locations in the overall structure during the knitting process, flat knitted products may have multiple different physical properties (e.g., different stretchability, different moisture management capabilities, etc.) at multiple different locations or zones within a single, unitary construction (e.g., different properties at different zones or locations within a single footwear structure). Additionally, flat knitting can be used to produce pockets, tunnels, or other layered structures in the final product.

Abstract: A ball control portion for an article of footwear is disclosed. The ball control portion includes a plurality of protrusions that are configured to bend to provide increased surface contact between an upper and a ball, such as a soccer ball. The plurality of protrusions are arranged in an arc-like configuration on the upper that generally corresponds to the curvature of a ball.

Abstract: A shoe, in particular a sports shoe, which includes a front body for accommodating phalanxes of a foot, a rear body for accommodating a heel of the foot, an internal lateral body and an external lateral body linking the front body and the rear body, and a sole. The shoe has a clamping device for exerting a pressure essentially laterally on the rear body and a clamping member and pinching members for cooperating with the clamping device and wherein the pinching members are positioned laterally on either side of a median strip of the rear body and whereby the pinching members place force against the median strip by tightening of the clamping device.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a tongue. The tongue includes a medial portion, a lateral portion, a central portion, a top portion and an upper perimeter portion. The lateral portion, the central portion and the upper perimeter portion include holes. The top portion and medial portion are substantially solid portions without holes. Each portion of the tongue corresponds to a different pressure zone along a foot in order to provide differential cushioning and support against pressure applied by a fastening system.

Abstract: A lace adjuster (10) that selectively adjusts and secures a shoelace (770) of a shoe (772) includes an inner frame (12), an outer frame (14), a resilient member (16), and a bracket (18). The outer frame (14) receives at least a portion of the inner frame (12). The resilient member (16) is secured to the inner frame (12) and the outer frame (14), and allows the inner frame (12) and the outer frame (14) to move relative to each other between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. The bracket (18) is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The bracket (18) is adapted to receive a portion of the shoelace (770) when the bracket (18) is in the open configuration, and the bracket (18) is adapted to retain a portion of the shoelace (770) when the bracket is in the closed configuration.

Abstract: A releasable fastening system for footwear features a plurality of fastening clips. Each fastening clip includes an elongate, longitudinally elastic strap and a pair of opposing hooks secured to respective ends of the strap. The opposing hooks of each slip releasably engage a respective pair of positionally corresponding eyelets on opposing flaps of the footwear. This secures the clip to the footwear to extend across the tongue. Each clip is releasably connected to an opposing pair of positionally corresponding eyelets and thereby secured to the footwear to pull the flaps together and tighten the footwear.

Abstract: A releasable fastening system for footwear features a plurality of fastening clips. Each fastening clip includes an elongate, longitudinally elastic strap and a pair of opposing hooks secured to respective ends of the strap. The opposing hooks of each slip releasably engage a respective pair of positionally corresponding eyelets on opposing flaps of the footwear. This secures the clip to the footwear to extend across the tongue. Each clip is releasably connected to an opposing pair of positionally corresponding eyelets and thereby secured to the footwear to pull the flaps together and tighten the footwear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closing part (1) for a shoe (2) that includes an upper (3) comprising an open area (5) for facilitating the insertion of the foot into said shoe (2), said closing part (1) being designed so as to close said open area (5), said closing part (1) being characterized in that it comprises a unitary portion (100) to be attached to said upper (3) by means of at least first and second zip fasteners provided on either side of said open area (5), respectively. The invention also relates to a shoe closing device.

Abstract: A shoe is disclosed for use in playing soccer or other activities. The shoe is designed to offer greater power and protection for a wearer's foot and ankle. The shoe is formed with a flexible outsole and an adjusted straight last. The upper is designed with a wide toebox and short lacing system. The shoe uses a unique cleat system. These features decrease the chances of injury and also give a player, such as a soccer player, enhanced ball control and power. This shoe can be modified for use, for example as a running shoe, or a casual shoe.

Abstract: The shoe tongue centralizer assembly includes a binding post and a centralizer band which, together prevent the tongue of any type of laced shoe, boot, or other footwear from significant movement either laterally or longitudinally in the footwear.

Abstract: A novel shoe construction provides a unique aesthetically pleasing appearance to a shoe while also reinforcing the shoe construction. In the shoe construction, the shoe is provided with a first upper that extends upwardly from the shoe sole and is secured around a wearer's foot by adjustable fasteners such as lacing, and a second upper that extends upwardly from the shoe sole and is separate from and overlaps the first upper on opposite sides of the shoe and at the rear of the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear configured for use as a dance shoe is provided. The article of footwear can include an upper and a two-piece sole connected to the upper. The article can also include a cage support that surrounds a portion of the upper and aids in flexibility of the shoe. The article can also include a single piece liner with an integrated toe box. In addition, the shoe can include an offset lacing system. In another arrangement, the shoe can include an elastic wrap, connected to the bottom of the shoe on the inside of the upper. The wrap can act as a tongue to minimize contact between the offset lacing system and the dancer's foot. In yet another arrangement, the shoe can include different types of outsole supports.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include one or more harnesses to restrain a wearer foot from transverse movement within an upper during a rapid sideways maneuver. One harness may be located in a lateral forefoot region. Another harness may be located in medial region and may include a midfoot and/or a hindfoot region.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to the construction of a shoe that is comprised of a disengageable-heel portion that may be disengaged from an upper. Disengagement of the heel portion from the upper allows the heel portion to fold away from the upper, which exposes a heel-end opening that a foot may pass through to gain entry to the interior of the shoe. Additionally, a stretchable lacing material may be utilized to allow the shoe to absorb energy exerted on to it by a wearer of the shoe without disengaging the heel portion from the upper.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a dual lacing system is disclosed. The article of footwear includes a first lace and a second lace. The first lace and the second lace include portions that are interdigitated, these portions being disposed towards an entry hole of the upper. The laces also include provisions for releasably fastening to the sides of the article of footwear.

Abstract: A rowing shoe includes a shoe sole and a shoe upper portion. The shoe sole has a cleat mounting portion configured so that a cleat structure is mountable thereto for releasably attaching to a binding structure of a rowing boat. The shoe upper portion includes at least one fixing strap configured to secure the shoe upper portion to a wearer's foot. The fixing strap has a proximal end fixed to the shoe upper portion and a free end having at least one aperture configured so that a pull rope can extend therethrough.

Abstract: A footwear item including an upper portion; at least one lace passing through eyelets arranged along the edges of an opening on the front the upper portion, and that tightens, thereby drawing the edges of the opening closer to each other, when pulled in a fastening direction; a string locking arrangement, provided in the upper portion having one or more passages in which the at least one lace is inserted and is capable of sliding when the wearer pulls it, while being capable of being retained there by a lock when it is at rest. The lock including an oscillating locking member in contact with the at least one lace to slide when the latter is pulled in the fastening direction, and which gets attached onto the at least one lace and locks it in position when the latter undergoes a tension in a direction opposite to the fastening direction.

Abstract: Active-response golf shoes are disclosed. The golf shoes include a plurality of sensors, a controller, and at least one active-response element. The sensor and controller operate to rapidly determine if a golfer is walking or swinging a golf club. Once this determination is made the controller and active-response element rapidly change the shoe's characteristics. If the controller determines that the golfer is walking, the shoe provides a soft and flexible walking platform. If the controller determines that the golfer is swinging, the shoe morphs or changes automatically to provide a stable hitting platform. The controller senses various predetermined conditions such as pressure of the user's foot to determine whether the golfer is walking or swinging. The active-response element is a lateral adjuster having an upper bracket located in the laces area and a lower bracket affixed to the side of the sole, brackets supporting a plurality of electrostrictive polymer bands.

Abstract: Systems and methods associated with an insert for expanding an article of clothing, including an article of footwear, are described. Articles of clothing incorporating such inserts are also described. The insert includes a body portion defining a first edge, a second edge, and a perimeter. Fasteners are disposed along the first and second edges. The fasteners couple to fastening structures of the article of clothing, and the perimeter of the body increases a size or circumference of the article of the clothing. The material for the insert, fasteners, fastening structures, or portions thereof can be selected to be decorative or to match, complement, correspond to, or coordinate with articles of clothing and/or accessories.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include various strands that extend from an area proximal to lace-receiving elements to an area proximal to a sole structure. The strands lie substantially parallel to a surface of a material layer in a region between the lace-receiving elements and the sole structure, and the strands cross each other in the region between the lace-receiving elements and the sole structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a boot (10) laceable by means of a bootlace (12) with a plurality of bootlace-deflecting elements (18, 19) and at least two separating units (20) for dividing the bootlace (12) into a bootlace portion (12a) extending in the forefoot region (16) and a bootlace portion (12b) extending in the lower leg region (14), the separating units (20) each comprising a base element (22) fastenable to the boot (10) and an eyelet element (24), fitted swivellably to the base element (22), in between which the bootlace (12) may be clamped. The eyelet element (24) comprises a substantially arched clip portion (40) with a middle part (42) and two clip legs (44). The two clip legs (44) each comprise an opening (50), wherein the bootlace (12) may be introduced through the one opening (50) into the inside of the arch shape, passed under the middle part (42) and passed back out of the arch shape through the other opening (50).

Abstract: The present invention provides footwear that is very easy to tighten. One end of a shoelace (6) is threaded between left to right sides in a staggered state through an instep opening (3A) to constitute tightening means (4) for the instep opening (3A), and the other end of the shoelace (6) is threaded between left to right sides in a staggered state through an upper opening (3B) to constitute tightening means (4) for the upper opening (3B). A medial portion of the shoelace (6) between the tightening means (4) for the instep opening (3A) and the upper opening (3B) forms a pull part (11), and tightened-state-holding means (12) is provided for holding the pull part (11) in a pulled state.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a decoupled foot stabilizer system. The foot stabilizer system is decoupled from a midfoot region of the article of footwear. The foot stabilizer system includes a plurality of strap members. The foot stabilizer system may optionally include a bootie. The plurality of strap members extend underneath a portion of a foot of a wearer. The plurality of strap members are configured to receive a lace at one end. A lace running through the ends of the strap members pulls on the strap members when the lace is tightened and causes the foot stabilizer system to conform to the wearer's foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an automatic lacing system is disclosed. The automatic lacing system provides a set of straps that can be automatically opened and closed to switch between a loosened and tightened position of the upper. The article further includes an automatic ankle cinching system that is configured to automatically adjust an ankle portion of the upper.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to lacing systems for tightening a shoe or other article. Some embodiments include a lace guide that includes a lace channel that is disposed below a portion of the shoe such that the lace channel is hidden from view, and an exposed end piece that is positioned on the exterior of the article such that the end piece is visible during use. The end piece can be generally bell-shaped and can provide a curved sliding surface for a lace to slide on when being tightened or loosened.

Abstract: A weight-activated tying shoe wherein user who, upon sliding his foot inside the shoe, will depress a movable inner sole. This activates a side mechanism composed of a winch with a cable system used to close the tongue of the shoe towards the user's foot, thus lacing the shoe. The user simply uses his weight to activate the mechanism. Using his other foot, the user can move a pedal to release the mechanism's tension. Most of the mechanical components are located on both sides of the shoe body.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an outer shell, an inner layer positioned inside of the outer shell, and at least one tensioning member engaging the inner layer. The inner layer configured to surround and conform to at least a portion of a human foot. The at least one tensioning member includes a portion that extends to the outside of the outer shell, wherein the portion that extends to the position that is outside of the outer shell is configured to enable tightening and loosening of the at least one tensioning member.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a woven strap system is disclosed. The woven strap system preferably wraps along the entirety of the outsole, including a bottom side and an outer periphery. The article of footwear also includes a midsole that rests inside the woven strap system, just above the outsole.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a shoe (10) including an upper (12), having lateral and medial sides, a midsole (14) joined to the upper (12), and an outsole (16) joined to the midsole (4). Shoe (10) is tightened around the wearer's foot using a lacing system (18) comprising a lace (20) and tightening mechanism (22). Lace (20) is threaded through shank (24) positioned under the arch and heel wrap (26) and attached at opposite ends to tightening mechanism (22). In an advantageous aspect of the present invention, lace (18) is tensioned to draw shank (24) upwards and towards the arch of the foot. In order to support the foot, shank (24) is comprised of a material having a strain rate lower than the upper (12).

Abstract: A shoe (10) comprises an upper (12) with an inlet (14), a tongue (16) extending substantially along the inlet (14), and a tongue retaining unit (24) associated with the tongue (16), which tongue retaining unit (24) at least hinders the tongue (16) from slipping sideways when the shoe (10) is done up. According to the invention, a retaining element (18a1, 18b1) is associated with each of the two edges (14b, 14c) of the inlet (14), which retaining element (18a1, 18b1) may be brought into form-fitting retaining engagement with the tongue retaining unit (24) and exerts a pulling force on the tongue retaining unit (24) at least when the latter shifts from a desired position in a direction away from the associated edge (14b, 14c) when the shoe (10) is done up.

Abstract: Articles of footwear having an enclosed articulated toe portion, including a molded midsole with an integrally-molded toe cap shaped to receive a foot therein and to enclose the toes of the foot. The toe cap terminates at a position adjacent to the base of the toes of the foot. The articles additionally include an outsole affixed to the bottom of the midsole and an upper which in some embodiments is co-molded with the midsole and toe cap.

Abstract: An article of footwear is provided having a decorative lighting arrangement wherein one or more LEDs are mounted within the interior of one or more sleeves, having the appearance of a shoelace, which are located in the toe portion of the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising a sliding eyelet apparatus comprising a flexible track comprising at least one groove and at least one track, and a lace carrier comprising a lever comprising at least one tooth to engage said groove, a spring; and a slider comprising a rail to engage said flexible track.

Abstract: A hands-free fastening mechanism for releasably securing a user's foot to footwear is disclosed. The fastening mechanism comprises at least one pivotable strap which is coupled to a hinge mechanism which, in turn, is secured to the footwear. The hinge mechanism allows the strap to pivot between an open and a closed position. The strap is further coupled to a lever which is engageable by a user's foot so as to cause the strap to move from the open position to the closed position. When the strap moves to the closed position, a catch will engage, thereby securing the user's foot within the footwear. The footwear may then be removed by using the other foot to apply pressure to a protruding member and then withdrawing the secured foot such that the catch is disengaged and the foot is released.

Abstract: A closure and tightening device buckle comprising a tightening lever (5; 25; 25?; 45; 45?) wherein it comprises a docking element (7; 27; 27?; 47; 47?), wherein the tightening lever (5; 25; 25?; 45; 45?) is mounted so as to be able to rotate about a shaft (8; 28; 28?; 48; 48?) relative to the docking element (7; 27; 27?; 47; 47?) and wherein it comprises a docking lock (11; 31; 31?; 51; 51?) capable of locking/unlocking a binding of the docking element (7; 27; 27?; 47; 47?) on a matching insert (2; 22; 22?; 52; 52?).

Abstract: A combined footwear and associated fastening accessory for use therewith may include footwear with a tongue, a plurality of apertures, and a fastening accessory removably coupled to the footwear. The accessory may include a housing removably seated directly on the tongue. A plurality of deformably resilient elastic arms may be coupled to the housing and radially extended from the housing. The arms may include fasteners terminating at corresponding apertures and removably connected thereto, such that the housing may remain centrally aligned on the tongue and prohibited from becoming disengaged. Also, a mechanism may be included for selectively adjusting tension in each of the arms by rotating the housing along clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, while maintaining the fasteners directly connected to the apertures. Further, a mechanism for illuminating the housing when the top cap is in a raised position may be included and may illuminate the housing during walking conditions.

Abstract: A shoe can be tied using only one hand if provided with a tying aid in the form of a generally T-shaped unit comprising a leg having two laterally extending ears. The leg is secured between rows of eyelets on the opposed flaps of the shoe by one or more of the lengths of lace extending across the gap between the flaps. The lengths of shoelace that would otherwise be tied in a bow are instead wrapped around the ears of the tying aid in alternating fashion, preferably twice around each ear, in a manner similar to the manner in which a mooring line is secured to the cleat of a boat.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a lighting system is disclosed. The lighting system includes three lighting devices disposed on the article of footwear. The lighting system is also associated with an automatic fastening system.

Abstract: A lighted panel in combination with an article of footwear wherein the lighted panel includes a translucent display panel, a foam sheet, at least one primary light diffuser, and a reflective sheet that together act to illuminate, and distribute light uniformly throughout, the translucent display panel without any concentrated points of light.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising a plurality of strips is disclosed. The connections between continuous portions of the article can be strengthened by weaving a plurality of strips through apertures disposed in one or more continuous portions. One continuous portion may include a tongue portion of an article. The attachment of the tongue portion to a front of an article may be strengthened by weaving a plurality of strips through apertures.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an automatic lacing system is disclosed. The automatic lacing system provides a set of straps that can be automatically opened and closed to switch between a loosened and tightened position of the upper. The article further includes an automatic ankle cinching system that is configured to automatically adjust an ankle portion of the upper.

Abstract: Disclosed is a foot covering closure mechanism that converts any laced shoe to a design that requires no bending down, sitting or use of the hands to put on or take off ones shoes. The new and unique device utilizes rolling motion actuation for ease of use. Polymeric components for reliability in hostile environments, water seals to keep feet dry and adaptable fastening hardware and exterior color for compatibility with the wide variety of shoes available to the public. Other features make the mechanism easily operated by action of the opposite foot.

Abstract: A tightening system for an article of footwear includes a cable disposed between an upper and a sole plate. The upper includes a flexible main body and an exoskeleton covering a portion of the flexible main body in an instep region. The cable is attached to the exoskeleton so that the exoskeleton is tightened to a wearer's foot when the cable length is effectively shortened and/or if the cable tension is increased. The instep region is devoid of the tightening system so that a smooth instep region is provided.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a woven strap system is disclosed. The woven strap system preferably wraps along the entirety of the outsole, including a bottom side and an outer periphery. The article of footwear also includes a midsole that rests inside the woven strap system, just above the outsole.

Abstract: An asymmetrical footwear assembly comprising a first article of footwear and a second article of footwear, said first and second articles of footwear being adapted to be worn on a user's right and left feet, respectively, wherein a configuration of the first article of footwear is asymmetrical with respect to a configuration of said second article of footwear so that the first and second articles of footwear are not mirror images of one another, and wherein, when the first and second articles of footwear are adjacent to one another, the configurations of the first article of footwear and of the second article of footwear create a visual effect of continuity between the configurations of the first and second articles of footwear and form a predetermined design.

Abstract: An asymmetrical footwear assembly comprising a first article of footwear and a second article of footwear, said first and second articles of footwear being adapted to be worn on a user's right and left feet, respectively, wherein a configuration of the first article of footwear is asymmetrical with respect to a configuration of said second article of footwear so that the first and second articles of footwear are not mirror images of one another, and wherein, when the first and second articles of footwear are adjacent to one another, the configurations of the first article of footwear and of the second article of footwear create a visual effect of continuity between the configurations of the first and second articles of footwear and form a predetermined design.

Abstract: Described herein is a plurality of athletic shoes including a sole portion comprising a toe end and a heel end having a medial side edge extending from a midline of the heel end to a midline of the toe end and a lateral side edge extending from a midline of the heel end to the midline of the toe end; an upper portion comprising a medial portion having a lower edge attached to the medial side edge of the sole portion and extending from the midline of the toe end to around the medial side; the medial portion comprising a heel end portion for contacting with at least a portion of a wearer's heel and having a forefoot portion for contacting with at least a portion of the wearer's forefoot; and a lateral portion having a lower edge securely attached to the lateral side edge of the sole portion and extending from the midline of the toe end along the lateral side to a point before the midline of the heel end; the lateral portion comprising a heel end portion for contacting with at least a portion of the wearer's hee